CLEAN-AIR campaigners have reacted angrily to news that proceedings by the European Commission against the Government for its handling of the burning of a toxic waste fuel in Clitheroe are to be held behind closed doors.

North West Euro MP Chris Davies was due to raise the matter in the European Parliament today amid accusations by Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans that the Government had blatantly flouted European law.

The European Commission last month issued the Government with a formal public warning for failing to carry out an environmental impact assessment before giving Castle Cement the go-ahead to burn the controversial Cemfuel at its Ribblesdale Works in Clitheroe.

Commissioner Margot Wallstrom accused the Government of failing to carry out an assessment required under European law and warned the matter might be referred to the European Court of Justice for further action.

She gave the Government until September 22 to respond, but a spokesman at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister today said the matter was now being dealt with in private.

He said: "This is a private matter between member states and will remain so until resolved. If we fail to resolve the matter satisfactorily, the European Commission can still refer us to the European Court of Justice. We appreciate that local people want to know what's happening, but this is a very complex matter and we will comment publicly in due course."

But Nigel Evans said European reprimands were useless, when environmental regulations were being so blatantly flouted.

"The Government must respond urgently to address public concern over this matter and give assurances that it will comply with these regulations. Delay and dithering is not an adequate response to Ribble Valley residents."

Clean-air campaigners today called on the Government to admit its mistake and undertake an immediate environmental assessment of Clitheroe.